Budget Allocator Results

Budget Allocator Results Total Submissions: 460 | Received by January 14, 2019

Business Development Respondents: 460

The Business Development Department (BDD) delivers services and projects that

serve to support and grow the business community. This includes business retention

and expansion activities, attracting new businesses to the community, site selection

services, supporting the growth of industrial clusters and deploying provincially

funded programs aimed at starting and growing small business in the community.

Collaborating with the Creative Economy Department on key strategic programs such

as facilitating the introduction of advanced innovation and technology programs into

the business community.

Increase spending 5% 105 23.60 %

Maintain existing service level 174 39.10 %

Decrease spending 5% 166 37.30 %

Default Category

Creative Economy

The Creative Economy Department works to create a vibrant, economically diverse

City, in which business innovation, high-growth start-ups, creativity and culture can

thrive. The department collaborates with the Business Development Department on key

strategic programs such as implementation of the downtown creative hub strategy (e.g.

growing innovation-based businesses in the downtown).




Environmental Operations

Environmental Operations includes

the residential

curbside collection of garbage,

organics, recycling and leaf & yard waste; landfill site operations; hazardous waste

collection and disposal; waste diversion & recycling programs; waste diversion

education and outreach programs and environmental investigation and response.




Fire & Emergency Service

Barrie Fire and Emergency

Services provides

fire suppression, technical rescues,

public education programs, and inspections under the Ontario Fire Code. The

department conducts origin and cause fire investigations, leads emergency

management activities and provides training & communications services.




Parks & Forestry Operations

Parks & Forestry is responsible for maintenance of sports fields, playground

equipment, floral displays, greenhouse, gardens, Communities in Bloom, forestry

planning, inspection, removal and maintenance of trees on City property.




Planning Services

Planning Services is responsible for the preparation and implementation of long range

plans governing land use and development within the City of Barrie, including the

Official Plan and the Zoning By-law and for reviewing, processing and making

recommendations to City Council on applications for development of land within

Barrie. Staff prepare special studies and reviews related to issues such as Affordable

Housing, Intensification, Natural and Built Heritage, Brownfields and Employment Land

Conversion and work with landowners, developers, consultants and the City's public

sector partners to implement plans for the Secondary Plan Areas.




Recreation

The Recreation Department provides diverse, accessible and engaging recreation

activities for all abilities and skill levels. Programs are focused on promoting healthy

and safe lifestyles, developing physical skills and fostering community engagement.

The department maintains 13 recreation facilities, 33 baseball diamonds and 56 soccer

pitches to provide a high-quality setting for recreational activities.




Roads Operations

The Roads Department maintains 1,370 km of roads and 570 km of sidewalks. This

includes winter maintenance, road resurfacing and pothole repairs, street sweeping,

curb and sidewalk maintenance, catch basin cleaning and repairs. The department is

also responsible for watercourse maintenance, stormwater management facility

maintenance, sanitary sewer repairs, and flushing and inspections; and BCRY Railway

Operations.




Transit

Barrie Transit and Specialized Transit includes daily operation and maintenance of a

48-bus fleet provided through a private contractor; 15 specialized transit buses for

persons with mobility difficulties; and service provided 7 days a week.




Budget Allocator Comments Total Comments: 201 | Received by January 14, 2019

Category Option Comment

Business Development

Increase spending 5%

This is an area that will positively impact life in Barrie for the long term. In addition it would likely allow for reducing the volume of commuters which of course is a plus not only for life style but the environment as well.

2018-12-05

Recreation Decrease spending 5%

Reluctantly a cut to spending here will help offset increases in the more currently critical areas

2018-12-05

Creative Economy

Decrease spending 5%

we don’t have the money 2018-12-08



Until the 400 is widened, no small companies would consider moving to Barrie because the taxes are so high. I attempted to open a business in the city, and the amount of red tape and location costs were astounding. We are now looking at opening something in Toronto where it is affordable.

2019-01-06

Creative Economy


What vibrancy exactly is this referring to? There are what, 5 pubs in the city, and no one goes to those because of all of the junkies. When is the cleanup going to start? Can we not ship them off somewhere, because I most certainly do not want a safe injection site. My neighbour had junkies living in her shed!! There are multiple houses on my cul de sac that now have cameras. When I lived in Scarborough we didn't need cameras.

2019-01-06

Environmental Operations


When we moved here five years ago, we assumed that it was still 1986, with the open recycling containers and garbage blowing down the street. Five years later, nothing has changed. I would only support an increase in "education" if we get normal, covered recycling bins, and none of this separated shenanigans. Let's be honest here, who is even buying our recycling these days since the Chinese have moved on? There is zero efficiency in the city as well - unless I own a truck there is no way to have my old toilet/dishwasher/fridge removed? Ridiculous.

2019-01-06

Fire & Emergency Service


I would support an increase, as long as it was not wasted on the door to door let’s look at your fire alarm campaigns. If they are fully staffed by volunteers, that's great. But if a uniform firefighter is going to door to door that is such a waste.

2019-01-06



Maintain existing service level

Why are taxpayers responsible for a discounted golf course? At least make that self reliant through user fees! And maybe download boulevard trees to owners? I have this ratty old cherry tree that I have called about for years, and it is still there, unpruned with the mess at the bottom. Why is the golf course not one of the first items dropped with the decreased spending?

2019-01-06

Planning Services


The only engagement with the public I have encountered is when someone's land is being seized. Obviously, no one else is really paying attention. Who approved the 400/Duckworth exit not having a straight exit into the new plaza? Somehow it is safer to cross four lanes of traffic to make a left? The street lights along Duckworth going the other way are deliberately time to stop you every half a block. Forget affordability, let's figure out why the City of Barrie wants us to waste as much gas as possible idling every 500 metres.

2019-01-06

Roads Operations


We have had a sewer backup, and as soon as I called the city, the first words out of the operator's mouth were "that's not our fault". Thanks, I didn't even need to provide my address. The sidewalk plows are a waste of money - the sidewalks are too icy to walk on, everyone uses the road instead. The floating speedbumps are a waste of money.

2019-01-06

Transit Decrease spending 5%

Can you not link to google maps or Metrolinx for trip planning?

2019-01-06



Anything to grow businesses in Barrie, or bring in new businesses can only have a positive effect in many areas.

2019-01-14

Creative Economy


Anything to grow businesses in Barrie, or bring in new businesses can only have a positive effect in many areas.

2019-01-14



The more fun things that the city of Barrie offers, the more people will want to be here.

2019-01-14

Planning Services


Affordable housing should be top priority. I would love the option to have my own place so I don't have to keep living in my parents’ house. Many, many others are the same.

2019-01-14


Recreation Increase spending 5%

The more fun things that the city of Barrie offers, the more people will want to be here.

2019-01-14

Roads Operations


Harding Ave desperately needs a complete re-do. It is in horrible condition.

2019-01-14

Transit Increase spending 5%

Transit should be brought back to Hanmer St. E. I haven't been able to take the bus since this route was removed. Also, there should be public information sessions to explain how this "new" system works (as well as the phone app). The whole thing makes my head spin.

2019-01-14

Transit Decrease spending 5%

Maintain existing transit because I rarely see a crowd waiting for a bus. However I don’t take the bus, fortunately I can drive or bike.

2019-01-14

General Comments

Comment On

I really would like to stress a decrease in spending on police services. It amazes me how much we spend.

2018-12-03

The City is doing a great job, keep up the good work. 2018-12-04

We are one of the highest taxed municipalities in the province, we have to do better. The excuse for high taxes use to be, to cover set up for all the new houses going into Barrie, great! Where are all the tax dollars generated by those new homes? Clearly we must have been naive about your agenda.... Of course that was just an error. Sure, too many people are living on the edge and the greedy unions are wanting increases for their members, on my back. NO. Status quo or cut back and lay off. Then the unions will have to figure out a new plan.

2018-12-04

Keep the next few years budget as no frills & decrease spending where possible. I don't care if land developers have to wait longer for plans to be approved. The city has grown too big too fast. Skip Communities In Bloom & the hanging baskets along the waterfront & save money.

2018-12-04

thanks for asking 2018-12-04

Stop wasting money on unnecessary events that bring little no revenue. Leave the lakeshore as it is. Reduce middle management and no more salary hikes this year it next for anyone who works for the city.

2018-12-04

Stop building traffic lights everywhere, build roundabouts instead please. Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge is doing this. Drive south from highway 401 down Townline Road to Franklin and then south on Franklin to Myers. I know google maps says 13 minutes but the longest it has ever taken me is 7 minutes and that is when half the trip I was stuck behind someone doing like 30-40 in the passing lane. Ten kilometres in 5-7 minutes. Park Place to Walmart takes me longer along Mapleview. We need better infrastructure

2018-12-04


planning, if you need ideas let me know. Building the Harvie Road overpass is a start but an additional bridge just north of the Harley Davidson building on Bryne linking Bryne with concert way would be a great way to improve traffic not to mention increase business for Barrie businesses (I have numerous times decided not to go shopping due to traffic on Mapleview or anticipated traffic on Mapleview...). Second last point, please build a sidewalk on the east side of Emms between Leslie and Mapleton please. Some kid or someone will die there one of these days in the winter sooner or later. There is no sidewalk linking the sidewalk on the west side of Emms with the end of the Leslie sidewalk plus if you are going to the bus stop on the north side of Mapleton (or the church) would be nice to not have to cross Emms twice, especially since traffic has picked up a ton on Emms ever since the lights at Harvey and Couglin went in on Essa. Final point: NE corner of Mapleton and Ardaugh is very unique in terms of how those trees were planted. In my opinion it should be kept and not cut down cause it is a great spot for movie shoots possibly? Just some creative business ideas since as an amateur photographer I have used it for a lot of photos and it is a very unique spot based on how it is set up...

Stop wasting money downtown until the population density increases. Freeze all city employee salaries for two years.

2018-12-04

Responsibly. Not on "pet projects". I am incredibly careful with my money & expect my tax dollars to be respected. Just because it can be spent, doesn't mean that it should be spent.

2018-12-04

The minor increase for the average household on the previous page seems reasonable. 2018-12-04

Increase in paramedic services 2018-12-04

Our city is desperate for an injection of culture. I hope the city will continue to invest in programming that puts the new fred grant square band shell to good use, and goes even further to support art and artists in our community. Also, investment in green spaces (such as the Sandy Hollow Disc Golf park) provide immeasurable value to our community. Let’s spend our tax dollars in a way that allows its residents to be proud to call Barrie home.

2018-12-04

More work on resurfacing projects. Many streets are horrible for potholes 2018-12-05

Too much waste by council and mayor. Barrie is not Toronto and we don't want to be. Constant expansion is taking up too much of our resources at a rate we cannot afford at this time. Fix our infrastructure as we are the ones paying taxes. Our roads are deployable. We would have many more people moving to Barrie if the GO train added more convenient schedules - get more Federal dollars for additional trains and times. The 400 is a turnoff for commuters... bring in more ppl with better options.

2018-12-05

Definitely on the enhancement of Dunlop street; bylaw officers, to make sure the existing laws are actually enforced, especially on around the beach area.

2018-12-05

Before anything else, tax dollars should be spent on repairing the embarrassing state of the majority of the street in the downtown (read: older) section of the City. One only has to be a resident of this area to know first-hand that throwing that black pitch on the cracks and into the potholes does not work for more than 10 hours, if we're lucky. I invite the city councillors who do not live in this area (John, Victoria, Vespra, Sophia, Park, Sts, etc.) to take a trip on any street in the area...but keep it slow if you don't want to damage your vehicle!

2018-12-05


Problem with Govt is they don’t understand budgets: cut unnecessary spending 2018-12-05

Economic and Culture are non-essential services that I would like to see decreased more than the 5% so that other services can be maintained or increased.

2018-12-05

Tourism and downtown development 2018-12-05

I find the library a very important and essential service although no questions regarding this service was in the questionnaire. I use this service several times a month. It is a wonderful facility.

2018-12-05

We desperately need more low income housing and yet I didn’t see that on the budget anywhere. We need to ensure people are able to survive in our community and access safe and affordable housing. Parks and roads are irrelevant if no one can afford to live here and enjoy them.

2018-12-06

Road and waterfront work using detours and barriers have been very obstructive for too long, left up long after work is done or work done over far longer periods than necessary. Waterfront signage redirecting Dunlop Street pedestrians past gate barriers to waterfront did not exist ways through were not always obvious. Neighbourhood road work such as currently on Duckworth take way to long for work done, with detours doubling traffic and noise on nearby streets not set up for this.

2018-12-06

Investing to attract business means you need to invest to attract talent. I would like the city to allocate money to building an urbanized, transit, walking, and biking friendly city that young talented millennials want to live in- including investment in the arts and culture. We all pile down to Toronto because it's the only city that offers the lifestyle we want, and as a result business follows. Coca Cola, Red Bull, Stantec, etc. are leaving their old big box suburban offices to move downtown where the young talent is choosing to live. Barrie and other GTA cities need to stop chasing dying industries and focus on creating livable cities for millennials and Generation Z. I believe the economy will follow if desirability to live here increases. Our city is currently great for those under 18 and those over 55- but offers nothing for the creative class in the middle that is powering Toronto's success, and to a greater extent Ontario's economy.

2018-12-07

I do not want to see another tax increase and think we should start separating needs from wants.

2018-12-07

The number one issue for me, and many people from Barrie, is traffic congestion. If main arteries (St. Vincent, Cundles, Lakeshore, Hurst, Wellington, etc.) were widened to consistently have an extra lane in each direction, the city would be completely different to navigate through.

2018-12-08

Really my taxes are outrages 11.93 percent raise in last 4 years too much there needs to be a total forensic audit done at city hall and all depts. taxes wages and spending frozen this city is a colossal mess and stop blaming previous councils and administrations these are mine and the citizens of Barrie money not yours you work for us

2018-12-08

Environment must be a key priority. Planning then must have credence. The money increases had to come from .somewhere. I chose to take it from a larger partner- Fire Dept- this year.

2018-12-08

A correction in spending is required for this fiscal year. I have proposed a very modest tax increase of 0.38%. I propose increased business development and growth is required to ensure livable jobs are available with an appropriate tax base to support living in Barrie. Increased road management is badly required. A slight decrease in park and rec is

2018-12-08


required to allow for this correction for this year. With increased residential growth occurring and an even greater business investment it is critical that our emergency services are geographically situated, staffed and have the supporting resources and tools to respond to each section of the city accordingly.

Please do not exceed the rate of inflation of 2.2%. Our seniors' food, medical, and other living costs are already exceeding inflation.

2018-12-10

The Library is important to me as well as housing solutions, attracting businesses to Barrie and arts and culture. We need better transit.

2018-12-10

We MUST decrease spending for one year at least. Lower city debt.. If in business we could not survive...Cut costs!!!!

2018-12-10

Please stop buying flowers and focusing so much on silly park cosmetics when we have a disgusting and unsafe downtown core that is an embarrassment and safety concern for citizens and especially women.

2018-12-10

Please keep our taxes down. 2018-12-10

Understand it is a difficult task, however fear that we spend far too much of our taxes on preventative measures - particularly police services. To grow and diversify our economy we must work to expand Georgian College, and our cultural services art, and businesses. Barrie is a great place to live, however it does not live up to its potential and spectacular location.

2018-12-11

Focus on the people who will be living here in 10yrs, not the people who are here today demanding things.

2018-12-11

Stop hiring outside consultants as they milk the government for money and drag their process on. This is very costly and anyone with half a brain can provide you with the same results. If needed, maybe hire Co-op students from the college to perform studies- it would be much cheaper and give them experience. My taxes equal two paycheques every year. That is a lot of money! While I understand the cost of living in the city will inevitably increase as everything costs so much these days, I would appreciate the city doing everything it can to keep costs down for its residents. If I am struggling, then most residents are probably struggling as well.

2018-12-11

I have lived in Barrie my whole life and I love my town. We pay too much in taxes and my family can't afford more. I would like us not to pay for winter maintenance of residential sidewalks. They do a really bad job tear up my lawn and I as a taxpayer pay twice to clear the snow and to fix my lawn. And by the time they come I have already cleared my sidewalk and they leave more snow. Anne street south really needs to be resurfaced

2018-12-12

Please spend more on affordable housing and parks. Please no injection site in downtown Barrie. Thanks

2018-12-13

Would be nice to see tax and water rate increases no higher than the annual rate of inflation.

2018-12-14

Please Provide proper infrasture to all city neighborhoods. Septic Systems should all be removed within city boundaries. Please improve our road quality. Thank you

2018-12-16

Too much budget is spent on Barrie Police. 2018-12-19


I believe council should look at implementing a surtax on properties with a value over a certain threshold. The money collected could be used to build affordable housing units.

2018-12-19

Barrie is growing with young families and small business owners that need support from their community. The Opioid crisis that is taking over downtown is quite alarming and needs to be addressed, families don’t even want to go downtown anymore because of this and that is very sad for our community

2018-12-20

Control spending to avoid additional tax increases 2018-12-20

More funding for disability programs for disabled workers. Traffic control. Less property taxes. Expand the beach at waterfront. More water attractions. Maybe a fishing charter from downtown. Or boat tours/rentals. A campground to attract vacationers. Kempenfest twice a year.

2018-12-20

Creating jobs for youth, supporting jobs in the gig economy, creating public spaces where people can do creative work cost effectively - Eg: expand library functions, create a cultural gig “hub” with studios and offices. An increase in transit will make it easier for our people to get around. But everyone under 18 should be allowed to ride for free. It would encourage them to get in the habit of taking transit and make going to rev programs and part-time jobs more cost effective. The busses aren’t so full that we cannot afford to do this.

2018-12-20

Stop spending on restructuring or refacing existing functional and non obsolete public properties and structures (eg waterfront, transit hub, EMS campus)

2018-12-20

I don't mind an increase but I think many in Barrie would struggle with one. Best of luck with the difficult decision-making process, and thanks for this interesting opportunity to provide input! -a new Barrie resident

2018-12-20

I did not see a place to adjust how much is given to the police. I feel they should be greatly reduced in their funding since they are not using the money in the best and most efficient manner possible. You know how many Barrie Police made the annual "Sunshine List" for public employees making over $100,000? Too many!!! Too many overtime hours will eat up a budget fast. Need better planning with the Barrie Police. I feel they ask for way too much and give way too little.

2018-12-20

I'm an employee at the Simcoe County School Board, I own a business in Barrie and I have a family I am raising in this town. Over the last couple of years I have seen some great initiatives taking place but also have seen a lot of areas for improvement. When we opened our business last year we did not feel supported by the City. We felt very much on our own. Dave Hyde at the small bus centre was great for encouragement but other than that we were left on our own. We joined the Barrie Chamber of Commerce hoping to find a network for support there however the focus wasn't really on our type of small business. It felt more on industrial and service industry (plumbing, consultants, realtors, etc.). Would be nice to feel more welcomed into the business community. From a family standpoint - we love the activities that are offered and all the parks are so well maintained. Keep it up! Thanks for considering our feedback.

2018-12-21


To improving the Official Plan and updating Planning policies to prevent developers from requesting variances to suit their needs. The City needs a strong and well-designed Official Plan and up-to-date planning policies to better support intensification and community design in the City. Current policies are out-dated and leave opportunity for developers to request variances that don't meet the needs or wants of the residents of the city - who pay the taxes that support City Hall.

2018-12-21

I would like to see more money spent on bylaw enforcement. Particularly, by-law officers are unreachable every time I have ever called. Their voicemail is always full, no one calls back, and I have had to rely on the police to get help for things that by-law should be doing. By-law officers need to do a better job at enforcing off-leash dog rules in public parks and be responsive to calls about animal control. By-law also needs to do a better job enforcing property standards and fining landlords who allow rental houses to fall into serious exterior disrepair. This affects the entire neighbourhood's property values. While the city has great by-laws on the books, trying to get someone to help, especially after 4 pm or on a weekend is impossible. This is when enforcement is particularly needed for noise bylaws (i.e. loud parties and dogs that have been left outside to bark all night). By underfunding by-law, you are placing an unnecessary burden on Barrie Police, who should be out dealing with criminal matters, not by-law issues.

2018-12-21

I don't mind you spending a little extra on the flowers and gardens in the city. I think that any city vehicle that drives by garbage or stuff on our roadways should stop and either move it off roadway or put in truck. I know because they are union they will say it is not in my job description.

2018-12-21

No more spending on planning - OMB will over ride your decision. Enough on the Lake Shore already. Shift infrastructure costs to builders not taxpayers. Price of doing bussiness. I'll never be able to afford a new house now let alone done the road. Tome to put a cap on salaries for everyone INCLUDING MANAGEMENT. No one is worth over $150000 a year - doctors teachers police hospital execs especially department heads ie CEO. These salary increases are unsustainable when mine goes up by COL only. Don't like the pay then move on.

2018-12-21

Please provide more express bus routes similar to the new 100 series. 2018-12-22

I would like to see more attention given in the budget to ways the City can provide leadership with regard to the mitigation of climate change. For example, adding electric cars to the municipal fleet, increased attention to urban forestry, landfill diversion programs and greater public outreach/education. It is the single defining issue of our time and I believe all levels of government have a role to play in mitigation as well as adaption.

2018-12-22

The Fire department has far too much funds. I see their trucks sitting outside of groceries stores daily wasting fuel and time. Paramedics and Police need to be maintained but fire could be drastically cut back and prevented from going on medical calls where and ambulance is needed... not a fire truck that only provide O2 to the patient.

2018-12-22

Do away with bags and have a container with wheels like other communities with automated truck pickup. One for waste and one for recycling!

2018-12-22

I WOULD LIKE NO TAX INCREASE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS EVERY YEAR 3-4% INCREASE. THIS HAS TO STOP!!!!! IF WE DONT HAVE THE MONEY WE CANNOT DO THINGS. MAYBE THE HIGH COST OF POLICING SHOULD BE REVIEWED, WE DONT NEED A POLICE FORCE FOR 150,000 PEOPLE. MAYBE POLICING SHOULD GO BACK TO THE OPP WE WOULD GET BETTER VALUE AND SERVICE!!! I AM SICK AND TIRED OF CONSTANTLY PAYING HIGHER

2018-12-25


TAXES IN THIS CITY AND GETTING LESS SERVICES EVERY YEAR. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH START COST CUTTING!!!!!!!

Pickleball is still growing rapidly in Barrie. We could use some outdoor courts (putting pickleball lines on existing tennis courts would be economical). More pickleball time could be allocated at the East Bayfield and Holly Rec centres. It was great to have time at the Eastview Arena in the summers the last two years when seniors are expelled from the Rec centres for the summer. It would be a healthy improvement if there could also be some air-conditioned pickleball time in the rec centres in the summer.

2018-12-26

The City needs to refocus on core services and avoid nice-to-haves. 2018-12-28

As a city, we are headed in the right direction. We need to start creating a commercial landscape which not only focuses on retail but also in Office space for tech/digital start-ups to come to Barrie in order to create jobs for university-educated members of the community. The two-prong approach should involve advertising to Universities all across Canada about our newly created city-funded incubator for start-ups. The second thing we need to do is to advertise to seasoned professionals in Toronto to start moving to Barrie. Large numbers of employers in Toronto are offering semi work-from-home privileges. We should target those professionals to choose Barrie as a city where they telecommute from. This will help us strengthen our transit connection to the GTA as well, as more of these professionals will occasionally start riding the GO train. As the numbers increase, Metrolinx will be able to expedite the Barrie to Union project involving the half hour service. To our mayor, keep up the good work and keep following your vision for this city!

2018-12-29

you never talk about lowering taxes and holding the budget expenses on police fire & ambulance freezing wages/salaries on ALL city employees Civil servants have high incomes and gold plated benefits which the private sector can only dream of Taxes have gone up every year at a higher rate than inflation (in the 4 years we have lived here) The assessment on our house goes up also. Plan to live with a smaller footprint. Plant some trees at the waterfront, install adult size seating and only one bathroom/change (with no place to sit!) room for the whole western waterfront.

2018-12-29

We could save $$ by naturalization of storm water systems to more green areas. This creates more green spaces within neighbourhoods AND lessens the $$ needed to manage/maintain these systems. These naturalized systems also mitigate flood events and in turn reduce risk levels associated with storm events. A win/win!

2019-01-01

Barrie has some of the worst snow clearing policies. Does the city even use salt on the roads? Even a small amount of snow causes the roads to be a mess.

2019-01-01

I think the city should focus on making Barrie better instead of making Barrie bigger. Growth, when the city can barely handle things as they are, is a recipe for disaster.

2019-01-03

Less on theaters, the arts, etc. more on parks and stuff that ordinary people like and can afford to use. More on portable housing subsidies for people on very low incomes. Help to address the housing crisis. Thank you. We appreciate the hard work done by staff and politicians in our city.

2019-01-03


Residents of Barrie are currently OVERTAXED for the level of services we receive. I would have no objection to a very, very minimal tax increase if it means a very, very NOTICEABLE increase of service.

2019-01-03

If there was any surplus money in the budget I would choose to put it toward infrastructure. Specifically the water systems. I've heard the city recently spent a great deal, however, the iron content in the water I receive is far too high. Not sure if that's because of aging pipes or lack of processing, but it would be nice to have proper water. Much smaller municipalities can get it right. We can too.

2019-01-04

Roads, sewers and water mains in the old areas need attention. Please increase budgets to help the aging infrastructure.

2019-01-05

We can start to fund the Fire department less based on statistics on numbers of fires. Sadly, this may mean some concessions in Union agreements. It is imperative that the Holly area get a Public Library as that are is under serviced and they pay the same taxes as downtown and the Southeast. This may be the year that Barrie seeks to have a smaller % increase than previous years because forecast for the economy as a whole is not good in 2019-2021. Thank you to all Council for your service.

2019-01-05

Barrie police do not give value for money. My neighbourhood has been without proper police protection (proactive police patrols) for many, many years in spite of the extraordinary high cost to taxpayers. Council would have saved us many millions of dollars over the years if they had switched to cheaper and more resourceful OPP. Non productive culture has also drained millions of dollars from taxes.

2019-01-06

Please stop wasting them on ridiculous services! My property in Toronto is worth so much more, and they actually reduced their taxes while providing services of more value! $4k/year is insane for a childless couple that commutes.

2019-01-06

Council must prioritize what is essential within the city. Emergency services are strangling the city's finances with their grossly excessive costs. City staff should be asked to create a report for council to compare the ES share of the current city budget to that of 10, 20 and 30 years ago (violent crime and fire rates have plummeted over the years). It would be evident that the current excessive ES budget allocation is unwarranted and is weakening the city's ability to finance badly needed programs and services. Ongoing annual disproportionate ES budgets have: 1) Diminished the quality of life of Barrie citizens by siphoning off funds for cultural and environmental programs 2) Ironically has diminished citizens safety by decreasing: road maintenance/improvements, city infrastructure safety upgrades, sidewalk and trail creation 3) Decreased the potential of this city by restricting new hires and city staffing levels in other departments There are so many important programs and services in the city that are chronically under-funded because of the excessive ES financial burden continually exerted on Barrie's annual budget. Councillors, for the greater good of Barrie, decrease the ES budget and allocate the savings to other deserving underfunded departments.

2019-01-07

Reduce policing budget. 2019-01-07


Please fix streets. Show some pride for Barrie road ways. Cut park budgets and fix streets!!!!!!!!!!!

2019-01-08

Decrease the 5% increase on some budget items to 3.5%. Budget items such as transit and waste management which are tendered to private contractors, open for new tenders annually to keep competitive pricing alive.

2019-01-08

With the current cost of housing, I would like Council to consider maintaining the current tax rate. With interest rates going up, coupled with rising taxes I think in the next several years we will see young families (who purchased during the pricing boom) loosing their houses. I am seriously worried about these two these pricing me out of my home as they both continue to increase.

2019-01-09

Please be aware that I am not making any more money than I was 3 or 4 years ago. Be conscious and frugal. Annual increases of 3-4% are not sustainable with additional household expenses also increasing year over year - water/sewer, hydro, phone, insurance, food etc. Those are only the necessities. My ~$8 in proposed savings is really meaningless but thanks for the opportunity for input.

2019-01-09

Our roads are terrible! If there is no planned storm, sanitary work for a particular problem area, the road should be regraded and paved immediately. Don’t waste time on patching, planning, debating etc. For example - Anne and Dunlop intersection. No excuse, it should have been fixed long ago. We waste way too much money on planning that doesn’t ever come to fruition. This should be looked at. Check for wasted labor within the city positions.

2019-01-09

My main concern is roads. Most of Barrie has poor roads.. Hold extra spending on items that can wait a year or 2 until roads are done. Wages are one that that must be slowed down or the City will be bankrupt or people will not be able to pay their taxes.. Hold any tax increase this year. Seniors are having a tough time paying house taxes....One thing I disagree with is 24 hr shifts for Fire fighters. It’s a joke. Keep budget for items that must be done not wishes...

2019-01-09

minimize all future tax increases as priority 2019-01-10

After I did the survey, the survey told me that I was over budget! LOL! My choices were mostly maintain existing spending with one or two reduce spending! So what this survey tells me is that the city can't even manage their own budget properly!

2019-01-10

Need to invest in express service from Park Place to North End Hubs (RVH/Georgian College and Georgian Mall). I believe citizens would be willing to pay a small premium in order to fund this new service. I would also like to see more invested in the beautification of Barrie's many avenues and roads such as Big Bay Point, Yonge, Dunlop Street West, or Bradford Street as an example. Beautification of a citizen's surroundings boosts happiness and overall satisfaction within the community. An example which has been quite successful is Collier Street downtown.

2019-01-11

I would just like to see and clean and vibrant city. The city of yester years. And I lot less red tape so projects could start and then be finished in a timely manner.

2019-01-11

I am hesitant to put forward a decrease in planning as the city finds itself embroiled in the OMB battle re Johnson St development but it seems to me that planning did not do their job in the first place or we would never find ourselves in this position. Perhaps it is less about increasing spending and more about being accountable. Throwing money at a

2019-01-11


perceived deficiency will do nothing without competency to back up tax dollars. What are we paying for? We can do better Barrie.

I would support hiring additional police officers providing they are assigned to traffic enforcement

2019-01-11

Please get rid of the outdoor wooden monstrosities on Dunlop Street masquerading as patios, makes us look like a hick cowboy town. Put in iron fencing that is architecturally pleasing, also add shrubs etc., and make the street one way. Remove gum from sidewalks, looks very unsightly and is unclean. Hire people to patrol and keep their eyes open for litters. All this would make Barrie a place people would like to spend time in.

2019-01-11

Seniors, homeless and roads need help now. Refrain from hiring and buy supplies at dollar store. Don’t replace retiree’s try and get coworkers to work better.

2019-01-12

Arts are so important, and many of the only organizations preserving Barrie's culture are under-funded. Please support theatre that tells Barrie's stories and supports local artists (like Theatre by the Bay).

2019-01-12

Please pay for an injection site if the province won’t. 2019-01-12

Our bus system is a travesty and there's been a decrease in community events since I was a child.

2019-01-12

Our property taxes are high and have increased 3% every year for the last 8 years (approx.) The City needs to cut non-essential services and maintain essential services. The people of Barrie would be thrilled to have a 0 to 1% tax increase this year.

2019-01-12

Solutions to the excess of loitering drug users on Mary Street (corner with Dunlop), THEY ARE AFFECTING OUR SMALL BUSINESS IN MARY STREET. More programs to control drug and drinking problems.

2019-01-12

Please stop spending more money on emergency services it is getting out of control. Does not need to increase for at least 2 years.

2019-01-12

Please, I'd like to see less drug and alcohol users inconveniencing people in Downtown Barrie. Sometimes they run around really late until the hours of dawn screaming and waking up neighbours. I want my tax dollars spent in making sure the streets are safe and pleasant for families.

2019-01-12

Would like to see a couple of years with no property tax increase! 2019-01-12

I do not want to see pot stores anywhere near schools or libraries or places kids hang out. I won’t go to the library anymore as the homeless hang around smoking and the language they use is not acceptable for families to be around. I want to see the city make parks and public buildings like the library safer and more family friendly we pay the taxes and don’t want to use these places because to many homeless make us feel unsafe and unwelcome.

2019-01-12

I think Mayor Leeman and council are doing a good job 2019-01-12

I am good with increasing taxes if the money is spent wisely. Cuts for the sake of cuts is not wise...

2019-01-12

Using this budget allocator tool I went over budget. As long as council and the mayor can deliver on the 9 areas, $35 more per year is well worth it. If jobs are created, and small business is given the tools to succeed, the tax dollars will be available. If council doesn't deliver on jobs and small business growth, then they will need to cut back on luxuries such

2019-01-12


as the arts or lawn mowing, so we can financially support affordable housing, mental health/addiction issues, and other vital needs.

S Support to seniors, that are retired and living in their homes, spending over $75 per month on water/waste bills that we can't afford on CPP and OAS. We are home 24hrs/7 days a week, we use more water because we bath, cook and flush more often. They (Ontario Government) have reduced our hydro bills thank goodness, but we need a break on our water bills, which impact the amount of money we have left over for food.

2019-01-12

More job opportunities and more affordable housing / rental rates will generate more tax dollars to spend. It's not rocket science.

2019-01-12

Apartment owners should be required to install water saving toilets. They should also be required to have recycle bins for food waste so that tenants can use these.

2019-01-12

We need to trim and count on growth coming from increased tax base, not taxing current taxpayers more. The city is a business that needs to be more run like a business, not a public trough.

2019-01-12

Although I went through this exercise to see how I’d spend the tax dollars and kept spending the same, I am concerned at the amount of tax dollars that we spend in Barrie. I am worried that as much as house prices are going up in Barrie the taxes are also rising and people will be able to stop affording not only the prices for house in Barrie but also their taxes.

2019-01-12

City wide speed reduction with control via speed cameras. Money going to the city. 2019-01-12

I’d like to see my tax dollars going to green initiatives. I applaud the city for planning for the future rather than simply responding to what’s at the front of the line. Thank you.

2019-01-13

I appreciate this opportunity. 2019-01-13

This survey fails to address the consistent over spending of the police services. If police services stuck to CORE police duties, we would save millions.

2019-01-13

Within the roads budget adding an advanced green on the north bound lanes of Ferndale to turn onto edgehill would be a small price to reduce what has become a dangerous traffic situation at rush hours.

2019-01-13

I’d be willing to give up business developement and certainly growth for a larger budget for emergency services. I would like to see more police presence in my area.

2019-01-13

-Would like to see the Allandale Railway Station developed rather than sit empty due to court wrangling. -Barrie’s downtown needs to be more inviting and welcoming (but the renovations at the war memorial are great, and our waterfront is beautiful). Services for downtown’s homeless need to be more effective.

2019-01-13

I would be pleased to speak on any of my thoughts. 2019-01-13

This is a great idea. It increases our ownership of how funds are spent and it drives home the difficulty of choosing how to spend dollars on so many great programs. I am very impressed with our current Mayor and City Councillors. Keep up the good work!

2019-01-13

Waterline flushing more frequently especially for courts that are at the end of water lines. 2019-01-13


Fixing neglected side streets, specifically in the north end of Barrie "The Grove". Also, finding a solution for the growing problem with homelessness and vagrancy downtown which is negatively impacting the experience of Barrie's downtown and waterfront.

2019-01-13

Tough decision I wanted to increase all 2019-01-13

I would have liked some other options in the decrease as I believe the planning option would well be served by decreasing it further than 5%. I believe that there have been far too many dollars spent in unnecessary studies and planning that have gone nowhere in councils plans. Other than I would like to services held to current level, with only environmental being increased at this time. Thank you for the opportunity to be involved.

2019-01-13

I would strongly urge City Council to re-visit the idea of red light cameras. This is a cost effective way to improve road safety. I see more and more people running red lights or stale yellow lights at busy intersections. All revenue from this initiative toward paying off the cost of cameras and installation. Once that is done, use that revenue stream to increase traffic enforcement.

2019-01-13

Necessities that really help people, not beaurocratic wastes of time planning/marketing. We need less money spend on brainstorming and more on actually funding necessities like transit, road maintenance, and meeting with investors who will bring real jobs here (not just minimum wage retail).

2019-01-13

The costs to live in Barrie just keep rising. I have lived here over 28 years. I have been under employed since I re-entered the workforce 25 years ago. I have watched the cost of service keep rising but salaries virtually stayed the same. (I took a tour of city hall years ago when I was doing upgrading at St. Joseph's Adult Ed Centre) Was informed city had database of skilled workers. To attract new companies, they were told they could have employees at a considerably discounted rate compared to Toronto. Think this mentality still exists. My property taxes are climbing and at over $3000 for a 1300 sq. house I think it is disgraceful. The only mayor who seemed to get that local residents were tired of tax increases and did something about it was Janice Laking. Perhaps you should take a page from her book. Stop increasing property taxes every year. The local people mostly have minimum wage jobs. Try thinking about the residents for a change.

2019-01-13

I would like our city to step up in the fight against climate change. I would like the city to be smart and do things that help us save or even make money by making our city buildings more energy efficient. Through activities that use smart LED lighting, higher efficiency insulation or installing more insulation, use of a solar panels, etc. Also potentially the use of electric for our transit system. There are other model cities that are making the switch to "green" technologies and still being successful economically. Not sure if this is in place, but we should have a small team investigate other successful cities, in Canada and around the world, and come up with a plan to get us carbon free as soon as possible.

2019-01-13

With going over the budget and seeing how much we pay in every department, I feel we are not getting enough for our property tax. To add more drop in times for recreation will cost us more etc.? I think that is absolutely ridiculous, you are staffed for the day of every rec center and feel you could offer more to the public for low fee drop in’s, especially in the winter months.

2019-01-13

Infrastructure needs work especially with traffic congestion in certain areas of the city. Also more trees to be planted especially when existing trees ate cleared for construction. Stiffer penalties for construction companies that don't perform proper procedures and environmental clean up and care.

2019-01-14


The environment should be the focus as without a healthy environment we don't maintain the beautiful City we live in. Recycling should include pet waste and textiles to further reduce the landfill impact. Besides the Hazardous Waste there should be an area for yard waste or wood lumber drop-off right beside the new hazardous area at the bottom of the hill to reduce lineups. More tree planting grants should be applied for and implement sound level restrictions - no loud motorcycles or cars and red light cameras installed (income generating) for blatant disrespect for speed limits. Outdoor burning including fireplaces should also be completely banned and no permits issued to reduce global warming and increase better air quality. Too many fires are naturally happening affecting air quality and increasing health care costs short term and long term.

2019-01-14

Stop increasing taxes every year, learn to manage what you have. Stop wasteful spending, stop supporting crooked developers.

2019-01-14

This year should be focused on ignition of new investments, creative businesses, superficial aspects of Barrie. Looks, looks looks! The roads and services can suck it up for a year while we do some serious cl3anup of this very dirty looking city. It has so much potential why are you guys letting this city fall apart? Cops don’t deserve anything what have they been doing? They don’t keep these people pretending to be homeless out of the streets. Drugs and drunks all over the parks. Ugh this town needs someone with a very heavy hand to clean it up.

2019-01-14

- community auditorium - please resolve the Painswick historical train station / historical burial ground of First Nations people so either that beautiful building gets some use or it comes down or is used to honour the dead.

2019-01-14

You do not need to decrease funding for fire emergency services but you should decrease the police budget considerably! The roads do not need to be increased in budget as prior tax increases should have already been included for maintence. What you should not too is repave the same road over and over again as an excuse of “maintence” while neglecting roads that actually need repair

2019-01-14

Yes I am over budget. I will hand over 35 $ extra. I would be willing increase that to offset those who cannot afford 35. We need to more than maintain Barrie. We need to think of making this city a vibrant centre including arts public space etc. and professions and skills to attract skilled and professional people. We need to take care of the vulnerable and high risk citizens in order to prevent further deterioration. Stop promoting taxation as something wrong or detrimental. Call it citizen funding and we all have an obligation to contribute our society. We all benefit from a clean safe and vibrant community. It does however come with financial effort.

2019-01-14

Free bus transit for seniors age 65 and over. 2019-01-14

Most investing in tourist attractions near the waterfront. It seems to be very boring. The inflatable water slide is a start, but more business to attract positive crowds downtown.

2019-01-14

More green space, less concrete poured. 2019-01-14

Nothing about seniors that need help 2019-01-14

Safer city initiatives. Mental health services. Less low paying precarious work.

2019-01-14


The state of our roads need definitely more attention. That includes resurfacing as fixing whole after whole does not fix the problem.

2019-01-14

Transit!!!!! 2019-01-14

We must stay in budget and focus on being fiscally responsible while continuing to find ways to reduce costs of operating the city.

2019-01-14

Please have a dog beach area in the mornings and evenings at the minimum. 2019-01-14

Better transit, especially increased connections to GO services, is needed. Additional bike lanes with better signage and greater separation from vehicular traffic is also needed. Bike lanes need to be connected into a cohesive network reaching key destinations.

2019-01-14

There are ways to compromise but if you don’t take care of the residents it becomes difficult to Evolve as a City with fantastic opportunities

2019-01-14

We need to focus some more funds towards building and developing more affordable housing stock including looking at how new developments could be used to increase affordable housing stock

2019-01-14

Need greater service on the buses. Routes 4 and 8. They do not go early enough or late enough. The service on Sunday is deplorable. Need it to earlier all week. Also later at night. Sunday service should be more during the day. Also Saturday should start earlier.

2019-01-14

Reduce police budget. Most of my tax dollars go to police. This is the biggest area that could see reduction and have an effect on our taxes. Surprised this wasn't in the survey.

2019-01-14

People spend $35 a week at Tim Horton’s so $35 more a year to keep a Barrie on track and growing in a positive way, is very important. Economical growth, environmental concerns and recreational programs are the items that make a Barrie a great city to live in. Let’s keep up the momentum.

2019-01-14

1. Add pet waste composting. 2. Add more waste/recycle bins along waterfront and add one or more to each city parking lot. 3. Increase by-law officers overnight for street parking during winter. 4. Implement a parking fine for cars parked along city streets during the day. Georgian Dr. Is a prime example.. large driveways with 0-2 cars parked in yet the street is full of cars parked on the road. People park in front of my house on Hewitt virtually every.single.day. Not right...more vehicles than parking spaces? Sell one or not have SO many people living there. What about cab companies running out of a house? Cabs parked along Larkin all the time. These new fines would reduce the eyesore and danger caused by obstruction AND reduce my budget overage! Thanks for asking.

2019-01-14

I assumed the budget allocation tool includes economic increase associated with annual cost of living. I believe the City of Barrie should focus on maintaining facilities and attractions that differentiate Barrie and make it attractive to new families. Great tool, by the way, even if there's a lot more to budget creation than a 5 minute survey.

2019-01-14

Collier Center needs to go ahead. I suggest that the space which was to be devoted to a grocery store be the location of the new Farmer's Market and other food retail, including a coffee shop to take the place of Druxy's. There is parking and everything needed to have

2019-01-14


the Farmer's Market there. We need a downtown grocery story and this is the next-best solution for the way that building was to work. The approval of that center ruined Collier Place for nearly 200 seniors and a plan like this would bring back some smiles. Otherwise I would suggest subsidizing a grocery store there. The problem should have been obvious. The profits in groceries are not high enough to carry underground parking and high rent on a place like that. Foodland was busy, but I doubt that even then it was a gold mine. It would have to be an assisted project.

I would like to see more affordable housing available. I would like to see an increase in spending for summer road maintenance. This could be done by decreasing winter road maintenance to necessary levels, and reducing excess salt usage on roads. (Sand is a great alternative)

2019-01-14

If/when deciding to increase property tax, please keep in mind that all property taxes are already increasing because of MPAC reassessments that happened across Barrie in the past couple of years.

2019-01-14

Unfortunately there is a lot of seniors or soon to be seniors who just cannot afford increases each year in taxes. I know the city needs to grow but where are the jobs. Not retail jobs but real jobs for the average person. Not the executive jobs. Try to be like Mississauga was when it started to grow.

2019-01-14

I live on ODSP, which I realize is a provincial thing, but it's not enough to live on. Help is desperately needed.

2019-01-14

City taxes are already too high for services given - bring back weekly garage bag pickup (ridiculous a city this size won’t pick up weekly)....more trash being tossed side roads due to cutbacks (odour n pest control holding summer garbage 2 weeks is ludicrous)

2019-01-14

I believe that the most important thing that Barrie government should do is increase environmental spending to protect the environment. The government should be acting more to protect the environment. After all, what's the point of boosting the economy if our children aren't there to enjoy it.

2019-01-14

You have to remember that sometimes you have to give up something to know how good it truly is

2019-01-14

reduce debt 2019-01-14

There is no need to pay someone to clean residential sidewalks ...do the main road side walks only, Home owners can clean the sidewalks in front of their house ....I want to see taxes reduced in Barrie. Why is Mississauga $2000/yr less for the same size home and lot?

2019-01-14

No more development especially commercial buildings. We have too many unused buildings. For example the disaster of a building across from city hall. Improve residential streets so I can stop reporting potholes on my street. (Elizabeth Street). Since our street was developed 1988/1989 I think it is time for a complete resurface. Time to reduce the number of police officers as well as city hall workers.

2019-01-14

Fairer and police need definitive increase 2019-01-14

No more $$ for police and fire. Increase spending on public transit and green initiatives. 2019-01-14

A focus on affordable housing is extremely important. There are hardworking families, with steady income who cannot afford a place to live in a safe neighborhood.

2019-01-14

There are sideways with no cut offs to places like getting my dog to Ruff Haus. Very dangerous. I have to go out into the road to get into the shopping area. Please fix this.

2019-01-14


Keep up the good work in 2019. 2019-01-14

Stop any capital projects in the immediate future for at least 2years and use the money to pay down loans.

2019-01-14

Would love to see our downtown further developed! Less cash your cheque, water pipe stores and more cultural and community! Small cafe and restaurants - good for visitors as well as residents! Further development along the lake with places to eat offering a view of our great Kempenfelt Bay also needed! We have a beautiful City but more clean up of old rundown buildings could be a beautiful improvement and a great opportunity for developers and investors alike! Good job City Council!

2019-01-14

Encourage people to stay active like walking to go to work or grocery or exercising on walking. Having Barrie'fleet of vehicle all powered electric.

2019-01-14

We need serious commitment to affordable housing, particularly for individuals, and for families. Also a practical and proactive, and cost effective (ie: reducing recidiviseness rate) approach to the opioid crisis, not just feeding into it--to seriously assist those who want to stop their addiction, to do so.

2019-01-14

Pay down debt. Less government overhead. Reduce staff. 2019-01-14

More spent on recycling and awareness of plastics disposal. Put in vending machines in grocery stores that would give money back for every can/bottle or plastic bottles if you recycle. They do this in Europe with successful results.

2019-01-14

I feel taxes rise 2%, use the excess as an emergency fund so to speak , be upfront with taxpayers as to why taxes have risen explaining the rise in parks, emergency services ,roads etc.

2019-01-14

The roads are absolutely awful and should be a top priority. Potholes, cracks, chunks out of them.

2019-01-14

Although I enjoy the many events in our city, we are now a family with a toddler, facing the out-of-control rental costs in our city. I feel that providing Barrie families with on-going and cost-effective recreation programs, particularly in the evenings, would be of greater benefit than one-time events. Also, thank you for providing this budget tool!! Amazing way to engage and educate! Well done!!

2019-01-14

I would like to see monies used for rent subsidy to those who cannot afford the new rent rates, just because they are on ODSP, Ontario Works, low income and SINGLE. My interest in this is that the city of Barrie is expropriating the house my son lives in for the Kidd creak expansion. Affordable.,,accommodations should be created not taken away! Particularly in a city with an unhealthy rental market.

2019-01-14

An average increase of approximately 35$ per family is a rather small annual fee for a 5% overall increase in spending towards valuable community initiatives. I can appreciate the fiscally conservative mindset that holds an opposition to tax increases. I recognize that many people don't want to spend money on services they feel don't directly benefit them. However an increase of an average of $3 a month is minimal when considering the quality of life increases that would be possible in our city.

2019-01-14

Stop wasting money in the name of “tourism”, it is a false narrative that is not reality or measurable.

2019-01-14


Stop wasting money in the name of “tourism”, it is a false narrative without basis in reality.

2019-01-14

Folks have been telling simcoe region about better housing options for years. Barrie doesn't need increased taxes folks are barely getting by tax the rich those who earn a hundred thousand or more. You see the newspapers where it's saying folks aren't saving for retirement or donating to charity as much. With ford cutting the 15 it's no wonder. Look at the prilvaged vs margalized educate yourself.

2019-01-14

Increased manufacturing jobs and repairing of roads. Increased town planning and stop cramming as many homes in as quickly as possible to get tax dollars. We need adequate jobs and resources first.

2019-01-14

Our roads are in terrible shape and we need to begin the resurfacing process We need this to be the main focus as it has been neglected for too long. Better planning for new developments and traffic control The streets of Barrie have become seriously congested

2019-01-14

Small businesses built this country, we allowed huge companies to take over and they get to sneak around the rules to save taxes and rake in the money. Companies making over 5 million should be coughing up way more money to help our town grow, taking from people that already are struggling is not the answer. Tax breaks for companies under 5 million, remove the WSIB mandate of owners having to pay on themselves, increase taxes on the big companies and everyone lives happy with more money. If these large companies don't like paying the taxes than they can close up shop and allow 100 small business to take their spot.

2019-01-14

Documents

Budget Allocator Results